Marlton Circle

Marlton Circle

Marlton Circle aerial view

The Marlton Circle was a well-known traffic circle located in Marlton, New Jersey, at the intersection of Route 70 and Route 73. This circle was a significant traffic hub in Burlington County, serving as a major junction for travelers heading to and from the Jersey Shore, Philadelphia, and other destinations.

History

Marlton Circle in the 1990s

The Marlton Circle was constructed in the mid-20th century as part of a broader initiative to manage increasing traffic volumes in the region. Traffic circles were a popular solution at the time, designed to facilitate the flow of vehicles without the need for traffic signals. However, as traffic volumes continued to grow, the circle became a notorious bottleneck, leading to frequent congestion and accidents.

Design and Function

The original design of the Marlton Circle allowed for continuous flow of traffic around a central island, with vehicles entering and exiting the circle from multiple directions. This design was intended to reduce delays and improve traffic efficiency. However, the high volume of traffic, combined with the complexity of the circle, often led to confusion and accidents.

Redevelopment

Map of the original Marlton Circle layout

In response to the growing traffic issues, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) initiated a project to replace the Marlton Circle with a more modern interchange. The project aimed to improve safety and reduce congestion by eliminating the circle and constructing a grade-separated interchange.

The redevelopment project began in the early 2000s and involved significant construction work, including the building of overpasses and ramps to facilitate the free flow of traffic. The new interchange was completed in 2011, effectively eliminating the circle and transforming the intersection into a more efficient and safer junction.

Impact

The removal of the Marlton Circle and the construction of the new interchange have significantly improved traffic flow in the area. The project has reduced travel times, decreased the number of accidents, and enhanced the overall safety of the intersection. The redevelopment has also supported economic growth in the region by improving access to local businesses and facilitating smoother transportation routes.

Map of the current interchange layout

Related Pages

• Traffic circle
• Interchange (road)
• New Jersey Department of Transportation
• Route 70 (New Jersey)
• Route 73 (New Jersey)